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Former Middlesbrough FC winger Adam Johnson has pleaded guilty to grooming and sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl on the first day of his trial.

At Bradford Crown Court, the 28-year-old Sunderland player admitted one count of sexual activity with a girl under 16 and a further count of grooming after being arraigned on the charges.

The footballer, who has earned 12 caps for his country, continues to deny two further counts of sexual activity with a child.

He appeared in the dock wearing a black suit and white shirt and was flanked by a female prison officer.

He listened carefully as the proceedings got under way as six men and six women were selected to sit on the jury.

The case is due to be formally opened on Friday.

In his directions, Judge Jonathan Rose told the jurors that Johnson had already pleaded guilty to two charges.

Minutes earlier, Johnson had stood in the dock to admit his guilt on the grooming charge which relates to a period between December 30 2014 and February 26 2015 and a further charge of sexual activity on January 30, 2015 which involved kissing and touching the youngster's body.

He added that they may read about the case in the press.

Adam Johnson in action for Boro

He told the jurors: "Mr Johnson, as you will hear, is a professional footballer for Sunderland Football Club."

They were instructed that they try the defendant on only the evidence they hear in court.

Judge Rose added: "You may see reference to this in the press but it's the evidence in court that you will gather.

"This defendant has already pleaded guilty to two offences, you will hear more about them in detail when Miss Blackwell opens the case to you on Friday."

He said they must come to a decision on the remaining two charges.

"It will be for you and only you to determine if he is guilty or not guilty."

Adam arrives at Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday (Photo: PA)

The defendant, from Castle Eden, County Durham, had his case moved from Durham.

Kate Blackwell, QC for the prosecution, said that the alleged incidents had taken place in County Durham, in or about the area of Castle Eden and Wingate.

Johnson is being represented by Mr Orlando Pownall QC.

Twelve journalists were allowed into the hearing which saw a further 18 people including the footballer's girlfriend, Stacey Flounders, who was accompanied by another woman, sat in the public gallery.

Born in Sunderland, Johnson began his career at Boro before moving to Manchester City and then to Sunderland for £10 million in 2012.

Legal argument will now take place before the case is scheduled to be formally opened on Friday.